Western helps to transform your passion for film and TV into a career. Build a customized portfolio with our supportive faculty of working screenwriters. Through a combination of small classes and one-on-one mentorship, you’ll develop your craft and immerse yourself in the business of Hollywood from the comfort of your own home.
Program Overview
Immerse yourself in the business of screenwriting.
As a student in Western’s MFA and M.A. in Screenwriting program, you’ll learn how to navigate the Hollywood system directly from current industry professionals. Recent guests have included – Jason Grote (Mad Men), Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead), J.D. Payne (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Billy Ray (The Hunger Games), Mike Reiss (The Simpsons), Liz Sczudlo (Jane the Virgin), Emily Spivey (Saturday Night Live) and many more.
Students in our MA and MFA programs come from diverse backgrounds to build a supportive community and help one another develop their unique voices. Through a dynamic blend of coursework and hands-on experience, you’ll learn how to find your place in the industry and unleash your creativity.
Because the Screenwriting concentration offers both an MFA and an M.A., you’ll be able to choose a degree that best meets your personal and career goals, setting you up for professional success after graduation. To read about the MFA requirements, click here and to read about the M.A. program requirements click here.
Industry insights
JS Mayank discussing the screenwriting industry at the Summer Residency.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
The Graduate Program in Creative Writing offers an MFA in Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Poetry, or Screenwriting. Western's curricula differs from other low-residency programs by emphasizing intense training in craft, building of a writing community, close study of historically underrepresented writers, and exposure to the business of being a writer.
All programs require a high degree of commitment and excellence from candidates, who must maintain at least a 3.00 course average to complete the program. A minimum grade of B- in each course is required.
In all three summer semesters, MFA candidates complete a 3-credit intensive course in their concentrations. In their first summer, they take a first-year intensive course and also complete two credits of CRWR 600, The Common Read & Writing Craft. In their second summer, they take a second-year intensive course and also earn two credits for starting their thesis project. In their third summer, they take a final intensive course, plus a 1-credit elective which allows them to explore other concentrations.
During the Fall and Spring semesters of their first year, full-time students take two 6-credit courses for a total of 12 credits per semester. Students may anticipate spending between 25 and 30 hours per week on assigned coursework. The coursework typically consists of readings and viewings, asynchronous discussions, and writing assignments for which instructors offer online feedback. Students also participate regularly in live virtual classes and one-on-one meetings with faculty.
In the Fall semester of their second year, full-time students take one 6-credit course, plus three credits of mentor-guided thesis work, for a total of 9-credits, so that they can focus on the thesis project. In the Spring semester, students return to taking two 6-credit courses in their concentration, plus one final credit of mentor-guided thesis work.
Program Information
Western's low-residency MFA in Creative Writing offers a rigorous, terminal degree in the field, involving intensive creative work, development of critical and pedagogical skills, and study of the business of being a writer. Students select one of four concentrations, Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Poetry, or Screenwriting, and are required to take a 1-credit elective during their final summer semester.
Full-time students require 25 months to finish the program, which comprises four academic semesters and three summer semesters. During the Fall and Spring semesters, students engage in courses using both live virtual classrooms and online learning tools. In each of the three summer semesters, students take courses online and attend an on-campus residency at the end of the summer term.
Total Credits for the MFA in Creative Writing
Requirements for Full Admission to the MFA in Creative Writing
Candidate must submit:
- An official transcript of the bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher.
- An 800- to 1,000-word personal statement describing the applicant's experience and commitment to writing. This statement should include a self-assessment of qualifications for admission to Western's Graduate Program in Creative Writing for the chosen degree and concentration.
- A writing sample in the appropriate genre, double spaced and numbered, or properly formatted for the appropriate genre:
- The Genre Fiction concentration sample should include 20 to 25 pages, ideally from a single work.
- The Screenwriting concentration sample should include a screenplay of 15-30 pages.
- The Nature Writing concentration sample should include 20 to 25 pages, in any genre or a mix of genres.
- The Poetry concentration sample should include 10 to 15 pages of poetry.
- The Publishing concentration sample should consist of a 3- to 5-page critical assessment of a story’s suitability for publication (story to be provided to applicant during application process).
- Two letters of professional recommendation from those capable of assessing the applicant's preparation to succeed in graduate-level work. All letters must be originals submitted on letterhead, must be signed by the person giving the recommendation, and must be less than a year old.
- Payment of university application fee
Provisional Admission to the MFA in Creative Writing
An applicant who does not meet the requirements for full admission to the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing may be considered for provisional admission upon the recommendation of the program director and approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies. A provisionally admitted student will have a maximum of one calendar year to complete any pre-requisite academic coursework. The program director or Dean of Graduate Studies may set additional timeline requirements.
Concentration in Genre Fiction
The Concentration in Genre Fiction includes instruction in writing for such forms as science fiction/fantasy, the mystery, romance, and other forms of mainstream commercial fiction. Study includes short and long written forms, as well as strategies and techniques for the effective teaching of creative writing.
The MFA Concentration in Genre Fiction requires the following 60 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 601 | Fundamentals of Writing Genre Fiction I | 3 |
| CRWR 602 | Fundamentals of Writing Fiction II | 3 |
| CRWR 604 | Career Planning for Genre Writers | 3 |
| CRWR 608 | Genre Writing I- Romance and Mystery Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 609 | Genre Studies I-Romance and Mystery | 6 |
| CRWR 618 | Genre Studies II- Western, Speculative, and Young Adult Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 619 | Genre Writing II- Western, Speculative, and Young Adult Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 620 | Short Forms Genre Fiction Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 621 | Business Fundamentals for Genre Writers | 6 |
| CRWR 626 | Pedagogy & Practicum | 6 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Six credits of: | 6 | |
CRWR 694 | MFA Thesis (must be taken for a total of six credits) | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Genre Fiction as a Second Concentration
Students pursuing this second MFA concentration must earn 30 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 604 | Career Planning for Genre Writers | 3 |
| CRWR 608 | Genre Writing I- Romance and Mystery Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 609 | Genre Studies I-Romance and Mystery | 6 |
| CRWR 618 | Genre Studies II- Western, Speculative, and Young Adult Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 619 | Genre Writing II- Western, Speculative, and Young Adult Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 2 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Nature Writing
The Concentration in Nature Writing brings students into the contemporary and complex conversation of environmental writing, introducing them to a wide range of authors, literary techniques, and styles relevant to the field. The concentration provides readings and training in all major literary sub-genres including memoir and personal essay, fiction, nature writing, science and advocacy writing, and hybrid and experimental work. Courses include significant reading in primary and secondary sources, workshop, and writing extensive short- and long-format work. As the culmination of their work, MFA students complete a creative thesis, which consists of part of a book-length manuscript, and engage in professional development for future publication and career opportunities.
The MFA Concentration in Nature Writing requires the following 60 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 680 | Writing Place: New Forms and Techniques | 6 |
| CRWR 681 | Introduction to Nature Writing | 3 |
| CRWR 682 | Book-Length Considerations | 3 |
| CRWR 683 | Thesis Seminar in Nature Writing | 3 |
| CRWR 685 | Craft of Creative Nonfiction | 6 |
| CRWR 686 | Genres of Nature Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 687 | Nature Writing Workshop | 6 |
| CRWR 688 | Writing about Nature and Society | 6 |
| CRWR 689 | Special Topics in Nature Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 695 | Professional Development in Nature Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Six credits of: | 6 | |
CRWR 694 | MFA Thesis (must be taken for a total of six credits) | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Nature Writing as a Second Concentration
Students pursuing this concentration as a second area of emphasis must earn 30 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 680 | Writing Place: New Forms and Techniques | 6 |
| CRWR 682 | Book-Length Considerations | 3 |
| CRWR 685 | Craft of Creative Nonfiction | 6 |
| CRWR 686 | Genres of Nature Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 688 | Writing about Nature and Society | 6 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 2 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Poetry
The MFA Concentration in Poetry requires the following 60 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 630 | Foundations of Poetry | 3 |
| CRWR 634 | Poetry Now | 6 |
| CRWR 635 | Poetry Workshop I | 6 |
| CRWR 640 | From Thesis to Book | 3 |
| CRWR 644 | Poetic Lineages | 6 |
| CRWR 645 | Poetry Workshop II | 6 |
| CRWR 648 | Poetry Craft and Technique | 6 |
| CRWR 649 | Special Topics in Poetry | 6 |
| CRWR 650 | Graduate Poetry Seminar | 3 |
| CRWR 653 | The Writing Life | 6 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Six credits of: | 6 | |
CRWR 694 | MFA Thesis (must be taken for a total of six credits) | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Poetry as a Second Concentration
Students pursuing this second MFA concentration must earn 30 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 634 | Poetry Now | 6 |
| CRWR 635 | Poetry Workshop I | 6 |
| CRWR 640 | From Thesis to Book | 3 |
| CRWR 644 | Poetic Lineages | 6 |
| CRWR 648 | Poetry Craft and Technique | 6 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 2 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Screenwriting
The Concentration in Screenwriting teaches screenwriting for both film and television. Each semester pairs an intensive analytical course with an intensive generative writing course. The concentration emphasizes story and scene structure, visual storytelling, character development, development of concept and theme, genre, dialogue-never forgetting that a screenplay is a document that will ultimately be translated to the screen. Through regular mentorship, students refine and consolidate their own best writing practices.
The MFA Concentration in Screenwriting requires the following 60 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 660 | Scenes & Sequences | 3 |
| CRWR 664 | Adapting the Feature | 6 |
| CRWR 665 | Feature Structure & Genre | 6 |
| CRWR 667 | Writing the Television Screenplay | 6 |
| CRWR 669 | TV Structure & Genre | 6 |
| CRWR 670 | Visual Storytelling | 3 |
| CRWR 672 | Screenwriting Workshop I | 6 |
| CRWR 673 | The Concept & The Pitch | 6 |
| CRWR 674 | Screenwriting Workshop 2 | 6 |
| CRWR 679 | Screenwriting Thesis Production | 3 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Six credits of: | 6 | |
CRWR 694 | MFA Thesis (must be taken for a total of six credits) | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Screenwriting as a Second Concentration
Students pursuing this second MFA concentration must earn 30 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 664 | Adapting the Feature | 6 |
| CRWR 665 | Feature Structure & Genre | 6 |
| CRWR 667 | Writing the Television Screenplay | 6 |
| CRWR 669 | TV Structure & Genre | 6 |
| CRWR 670 | Visual Storytelling | 3 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 2 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Spotlight
Careers
Take the first steps toward your dream career.
Career preparation is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling role in hundreds of professional fields after graduation.
The data is automatically collected by Lightcast, a firm that sources job market data. The statistics illustrate general trends in U.S. careers, but do not precisely represent every job and salary.
The Program
Acquire critical skills and experience in an efficient and effective program.
Western’s graduate Creative Writing program follows a low-residency format. Faculty and students interact online through Zoom and Canvas during the academic year and gather in person on Western’s campus for one week in early August for intensive classes and to work closely with nationally recognized authors on their writing.
- Residency: MFA students attend three summer residencies. The first helps students develop a visual narrative style; the second focuses on workshopping short screenplays; and the third prepares graduates to present their work through pitches, table reads, and more. M.A. students only attend the first two residencies.
- Academic Year: During the academic year, full-time students take two courses each semester. These six-credit courses make use of video conferencing and web platforms for online work. MFA students complete four such semesters, and M.A. students complete two.
- Additional Opportunities: Guests compliment course instruction throughout the year, and students are often invited to guest lectures outside their home concentration. Students also have the opportunity to explore other concentrations through 1-credit summer elective courses.
- Matriculation: To complete the MFA, students spend their final semester working on a feature-length screenplay under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. These screenplays are then given a professional table read at the final residency. To complete the M.A., students complete the coursework of their two academic semesters and two residencies.
Modern storytelling
We believe in teaching our students how to find their place in this industry, elevate the norms, invite in the unexpected, and use this highly visual and theme-driven medium to shake up the world with their stories.
Opportunities and Partnerships
- Create a polished portfolio of 2-4 writing samples that showcase your voice (3-4 for the M.F.A. program, 2 for M.A.)
- Deepen your craft through peer workshops and one-on-one mentorships — both online and in person
- Practice the all-important fundamentals of structure for both film and television
- Experience intimate workshops with guests and visiting writers, recently including Jason Grote (Mad Men), Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead), J.D. Payne (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Billy Ray (The Hunger Games), Mike Reiss (The Simpsons), Liz Sczudlo (Jane the Virgin), Emily Spivey (Saturday Night Live) and many more
- Study the business of screenwriting, including how to seek representation and copyright your work
- Learn how to identify and pursue opportunities in the industry
- Develop a career plan, with personalized guidance from industry veterans
- Gain experience writing script coverage and feedback notes
- Access electives from the program’s other concentrations: Genre Fiction, Poetry, Nature Writing, or Publishing
- Opportunity to add a second concentration to your MFA degree, allowing for a dual emphasis in Screenwriting plus Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, or Poetry.
On-campus screenings
Screenwriting students Emily Nortnik and Keturah Price rehearse their short film at the 2023 Summer Residency.
News & Research
Additional Resources
Department Information
Graduate Program in Creative Writing
Director
Tyson Hausdoerffer, Ph.D.Director, Graduate Program in Creative Writing
Graduate Program Coordinator
Corinne Sublette, B.A.Graduate Program Coordinator
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 117
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
